Arcade Classics: Pac-Man (also known as just Pac-Man in some releases) is a series of electronic handheld games based on the original Pac-Man arcade game. The handhelds were released by Basic Fun as part of the "Arcade Classics" line, with the first model being released in 2016. A related set of Arcade Classics: Ms. Pac-Man handhelds were also released.
Numerous different models of the Arcade Classics: Pac-Man handheld were produced, with three different revisions in game software. The first version is a black-and-white handheld LCD game, while the second is a VFD-colorized version of the original port. The third revision is a more proper port based on Sunplus/Generalplus hardware.
Overview[]
Handheld LCD/VFD port[]
The original "Arcade Classics" port of Pac-Man (and its colorized variant) is conceptually based on the Pac-Man Coleco Tabletop; though it is programmed entirely from scratch. It is a rather close port of the arcade original, particularly given the limitations of the hardware; though some features, such as Fruits, are notably missing. All music and sound effects are sampled directly from the original arcade game, resulting in higher-quality audio than most comparable LCD games.
The LCD/VFD versions of the games feature two game modes:
- Regular Game Mode: A port of the original Pac-Man arcade game.
- Chase Mode: A port of the "Eat & Run" mode from the Pac-Man Coleco Tabletop. The player must guide Pac-Man to eat the four Power Pellets in the corners of the maze, and bring them to the center Ghost Box.
Sunplus port[]
The Sunplus-based "Arcade Classics" port of Pac-Man is a closer adaption of the original game. The port features several notable differences compared to the original arcade version:
- The game does not feature the animated opening sequence, instead featuring a static title screen showing the Pac-Man logo.
- Pushing start on the title screen will lead to an empty maze, seemingly to mimic the starting display of the LCD/VFD version. Pressing start again will play a coin-inserting sound and begin the game.
- All graphics are downscaled and redrawn compared to the original game.
List of models[]
Each Basic Fun handheld model has its own numerical ID (though special variants, such as Pac-Man 40th Anniversary versions, reuse ID numbers). Most units are effectively identical in outer design, and are shaped like miniature arcade machines; they generally use artwork based on the general 2010s Pac-Man licensing designs. Boxed versions often use different, more bulky cabinet shapes compared to the blister versions, though this is not always the case.
Blister packaging[]
Versions sold in blister packaging, which were available through multiple online and retail outlets.
- Pac-Man (09521) - Original version released on July 25, 2016; handheld LCD port.
- Pac-Man (09530) - Released on October 11, 2019; color VFD port. Reissued in 2023 under the ID "09559".
- Pac-Man 40th Anniversary (09530) - Released in 2020; color VFD port. Uses the original Bally Midway arcade artwork with a shimmering gold print.
Boxed packaging[]
Versions sold in boxed packaging, which were generally exclusive to select retailers (such as Walmart).
- Arcade Classics #01: Pac-Man (09574) - Released in 2016; handheld LCD port, Walmart-exclusive. Identical to the blister release outside of the ID and packaging.
- Arcade Classics #07: Pac-Man (09562) - Released in 2017; color VFD port, Walmart-exclusive.
- Arcade Classics #14: Pac-Man (09545) Released in 2019; Sunplus port, Walmart-exclusive. Reissued in 2024 under the ID "09674"; the 2024 variant was available at multiple retailers.
- Arcade Classics #19: Pac-Man 40th Anniversary (09545) - Released in 2020; Sunplus port, Walmart-exclusive. Uses the original Bally Midway arcade artwork with a shimmering gold print.
- Arcade Classics: Pac-Man Collector's Edition (09559) - Released in 2024; color VFD port, Target-exclusive. Features a shimmering silver or charcoal print.
Trivia[]
- Several later handhelds from different manufacturers feature a nearly-identical ROM to the original black-and-white release of the Arcade Classics: Pac-Man handheld:
- Two handhelds released by Fizz Creations in 2020 - the Pac-Man Desktop Arcade and Pac-Man Game Keyring - play identically to the "Arcade Classics" LCD version. The Desktop Arcade retains the sampled audio, though it plays at a very low volume for unknown reasons; the Game Keyring features more primitive, non-sampled sounds.
- The Monopoly Arcade: Pac-Man board game includes a central arcade machine piece featuring an "Arcade Classics"-derived LCD port.
- The artwork seen on most machine models is effectively an imitation of the Pac-Man Hallmark Keepsake ornament from 2008, though replaces the Hideki Tanaami artwork with the general 2010s licensing designs. The exact design used appears to originate from a "Pac-Man Arcade Candy" tin from Boston-America.
- The release of the first model predates the creation of the 2017 "Pac-Man Retro Style Guide", which is likely a factor in the handhelds using less arcade-accurate designs.
- The "Collector's Edition" variant uses a similar box design to the "#14" version (IDs "09545", "09674"). However, while the #14 release has a blurb reading "Full Color Screen!", the Collector's Edition - using the VFD port - changes this to read "Four Color Screen!" in the same font.